Another year has come and gone. Amazing how time flies. Each year it seems the 365 days on the calendar speed past more quickly than the year before. 2011 has been a year of many challenges. Both personally and professionally, I have faced ice and snow storms, flooding, personal loss, and more. I have learned more about myself and the direction I would like to see my life go. Its funny how those hurdles really refine a person and show what is truly inside. One of my favorite scripture verses is 1 Corinthians 10:13; "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
There have surely been some moments in 2011 where I felt He was putting this to the test.
With a new year, however comes the feeling a fresh beginning. What better time to start something new, than the beginning of a new year? As I see friends and family post resolutions for the coming year, it got me thinking about how to face a new chapter in life.
I pride myself on being someone who wants to make a difference in the world. With that, the little things we say, how we interact with others really does in my opinion matter. A positive attitude and a smile, or remembering to treat others the way we would like to be treated truly can change the world.
But beyond the little things we should each try to practice daily, what else can one to do in making this big old world we live in a better place? Suddenly it hit me while having the TV playing in the background as I finished a few things. As I flipped through channels I came upon the 2009 movie "Julie and Julia" . The movie is based on a writer who decides to take a year long challenge and cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" Now the subject matter wasn't what really caught my attention but more importantly the challenge. The writer in the story finds herself becoming a better person through the challenge as she works through something as simple as the 500+ recipes in one years time. As I finished watching a movie I never thought I would have gotten drawn into, I found myself thinking about what kind of 365 Day challenge of my own could I potentially take on in making 2012 standout from other years past.
I started doing a little research and was amazed to find the amount of 365 Day Challenges out there. I remember seeing several friends start last year a challenge by taking 1 photo each day. I also found a website, where someone has done most of the work for you. By signing up, they will email you a new challenge each day for you to work on, and if you wish photograph and blog about how they effected you. Sounds too easy. Well we will see. You may see more frequent blogs from me in the coming year as I have decided to document 2012 and take on this 365 Day Challenge.
I'm hoping this little project will allow me too look back on 2012 one year from today with a clear understanding of where the world took me, and that I am a better person because of those challenges and experiences life handed me.
I cannot wait to start this undertaking. I only hope I am as enthusiastic about it 300+ days down the road as I am today. I hope some of you will decide to join me on this pathway this year! Here is to 2012 and let the ride and challenge begin!!
Thoughts from a small town kind of guy, ranch raised, working as an Emergency Manager/PIO I write about my life and growing up in Montana, my experiences both professionally and personal!
From the Ranch

Looking West
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
A Christmas Perspective...
Just as fast as the wrapping paper flew, Christmas has come and gone for another year. Each year we rush around to make preparations for the holiday just right. Shopping for the perfect gift, and prepping everything to make it just right. Each year I beg my family to stop spending and spending on gifts. The time shared together is far more priceless and memorable than anything that you could get me. Each year though gifts are purchased, and within minutes the floor is covered. This year our family did something a little different. Instead of us all making the rounds to several locations and opening various gifts, than home to our respective houses, we all decided to spend the night at my sister's Christmas Eve and wake up and spend Christmas Day together also. Talk about bringing back childhood memories!
I have to admit, as I get older, I do appreciate watching others as they open much more than opening those gifts in front of me. Watching my nieces as they tore through their piles, brought smiles to all of our faces, but I could tell their happiness was soon to be subdued as their piles dwindled. The smiles and excitement quickly changed as they realized they had tore through everything, and now had to sit back and watch us "adults" slowly work through our much smaller piles. With each gift we opened, they inched closer, and before long, they were "helping" trying to get us to tear in faster. Why such a rush? Does some super power come with increased velocity of shredded wrapping paper? I'm sure as a child, I was the same way.
As someone who considers himself a "people watcher" I enjoyed watching reactions, emotions, and even an occasional tear with some of the thought that went into many of the gifts. I was amazed at a picture my sister had made for me.. Knowing its a one of a kind is something that will help me treasure it even more. I'm still thinking of where will be the perfect place to hang it and show it off. Even more touching was memorial marker for Cody of his dog "Sam" who passed away this summer. I happened to catch a picture of him with it along with their new puppy "Molly" on his lap. Talk about tugging on the heart strings. I do not think there is anything more touching the girls could have done, well that was until my sister opened her gift from her oldest daughter. Tawni will be leaving for college this coming year. As she gets closer to that date when she will no longer live at home, its amazing to see and watch her mature. I can still remember her as a baby and rocking her to sleep in my arms. As my sister opened the engraved charm bracelet, I noticed more than one teary eye.
So why do I share all of this? As Christmas 2011, becomes just a memory, it may go down as one of the best ones in recent history. Spending quality time with family is something that I always enjoy, no matter how much I may joke about it. They have always been there for me through anything I may be facing. In recent years, I have always kind of dreaded Christmas Eve night. Yes I love attending services, and seeing family, but by the end of the evening I always came home to an empty house. Sitting up with my family and telling stories, prepping everything just right for Santa's visit, before falling asleep, only to wake with the little ones anxious to open what Santa brought them.
Christmas Day was just as rewarding. Early to rise after the little ones got everyone up, we watched to see what they all got. After a Christmas breakfast, I was put to work setting up the new electronic toys the girls got while Mom and my sister worked on Christmas Dinner. I could hear my brother-in-law playing on his new ATV outside, and Christmas music playing inside. Before long, the grandparents arrived and we continued to share all afternoon. I have never been one to have my picture taken. I prefer being behind the camera rather than in front of it. But I have to admit I loved some of the pictures I ended up being in with my nieces and family. Treasured memories as well all grow older.
Christmas 2011 was truly one of the best Christmas' in recent history, if not the best in my adult life. Not for the gifts received, but for the time spent together. Thank you family for a truly wonderful Christmas!
I have to admit, as I get older, I do appreciate watching others as they open much more than opening those gifts in front of me. Watching my nieces as they tore through their piles, brought smiles to all of our faces, but I could tell their happiness was soon to be subdued as their piles dwindled. The smiles and excitement quickly changed as they realized they had tore through everything, and now had to sit back and watch us "adults" slowly work through our much smaller piles. With each gift we opened, they inched closer, and before long, they were "helping" trying to get us to tear in faster. Why such a rush? Does some super power come with increased velocity of shredded wrapping paper? I'm sure as a child, I was the same way.
As someone who considers himself a "people watcher" I enjoyed watching reactions, emotions, and even an occasional tear with some of the thought that went into many of the gifts. I was amazed at a picture my sister had made for me.. Knowing its a one of a kind is something that will help me treasure it even more. I'm still thinking of where will be the perfect place to hang it and show it off. Even more touching was memorial marker for Cody of his dog "Sam" who passed away this summer. I happened to catch a picture of him with it along with their new puppy "Molly" on his lap. Talk about tugging on the heart strings. I do not think there is anything more touching the girls could have done, well that was until my sister opened her gift from her oldest daughter. Tawni will be leaving for college this coming year. As she gets closer to that date when she will no longer live at home, its amazing to see and watch her mature. I can still remember her as a baby and rocking her to sleep in my arms. As my sister opened the engraved charm bracelet, I noticed more than one teary eye.
So why do I share all of this? As Christmas 2011, becomes just a memory, it may go down as one of the best ones in recent history. Spending quality time with family is something that I always enjoy, no matter how much I may joke about it. They have always been there for me through anything I may be facing. In recent years, I have always kind of dreaded Christmas Eve night. Yes I love attending services, and seeing family, but by the end of the evening I always came home to an empty house. Sitting up with my family and telling stories, prepping everything just right for Santa's visit, before falling asleep, only to wake with the little ones anxious to open what Santa brought them.
Christmas Day was just as rewarding. Early to rise after the little ones got everyone up, we watched to see what they all got. After a Christmas breakfast, I was put to work setting up the new electronic toys the girls got while Mom and my sister worked on Christmas Dinner. I could hear my brother-in-law playing on his new ATV outside, and Christmas music playing inside. Before long, the grandparents arrived and we continued to share all afternoon. I have never been one to have my picture taken. I prefer being behind the camera rather than in front of it. But I have to admit I loved some of the pictures I ended up being in with my nieces and family. Treasured memories as well all grow older.
Christmas 2011 was truly one of the best Christmas' in recent history, if not the best in my adult life. Not for the gifts received, but for the time spent together. Thank you family for a truly wonderful Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmas at our House...
A week from today, we will be celebrating the wonderful and joyous day of Christmas. In a season that seems to have lost the real reason we celebrate this time of year in exchange for overcrowded shopping malls and mothers fighting over sales to purchase the best Christmas gift. The Season is started well before the candy is handed out on Halloween to extend the retail shopping season just as long as possible. By the time Christmas actually gets here, I here many anxiously waiting for it to be over. For so many its become a lonely depressing time of year, only emphasizing even more the hardships or lack of relationship many are facing.
Growing up I was the Biggest Fan of Barbara Mandrell. Her Holiday song "Christmas at our House" felt like she was singing about my family. The simple lyrics of this song, deep in tradition and based with faith of the true reason for this season still bring me back to my childhood. Looking back as a child, Christmas truly was the happiest time of year! Not only for the gifts we received, but more importantly the traditions we did with family, that was all based around the meaning we celebrated as a family this wonderful time of year.
As a family, we always had a live tree for Christmas, and it wasn't just any tree purchased at any tree lot. It was tradition to head to the ranch and as a family find the "perfect" tree. Mom always wanted a cedar, while Dad was more at will just in getting a long needle pine. It brings a smile to my face just thinking of how "Charlie Brown" they actually were. They always looked so wonderful and full as we looked for them. Yet by the time it was home, and cut down to size , to fit in the house, there was always a huge hole, and something missing. Even though we had the tree, it was never the first decoration put up. As the boxes were unpacked, to decorate, the Nativity was always the first item put up. As a grown adult, this is something I still continue to do. Its a simple reminder once again of why we celebrate this time of year.
By the time Christmas Eve rolled around, my sister and I had probably drove my parents crazy about the gifts under the tree. We had a simple tradition of opening one gift before we attended Christmas Eve Services. I love hearing the Christmas Story each and every year, and singing carols by candlelight. After services, we always ended up at my Maternal Grandparents home. All my Aunts and Uncles, and cousins would be there as we would have a wonderful evening of snacks, gifts and just spending time with family. Finally back home by 10-11ish, the parents finally would give in and my sister and I would dig into everything under the tree. It wouldn't take long before the living room was covered in wrapping paper, bows, and boxes. With Christmas music playing in the background, and that one special gift it seems mom always knew I wanted in hand it was time to fall asleep so "Santa" could make his stop.
Christmas Morning always found my sister and I coming down the stairs to find Santa had made his stop. Luckily my sister and I were always good enough that he never missed that stop. There was always something special under the tree and stockings by the woodstove overflowing. Could it get any better? Yes it could, because by now it was time to pack up and head to the ranch, my Paternal Grandparents home for Christmas Dinner. Again a house full of Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. Yes a few more gifts were exchanged but the highlights of the day were more the time we spent together.
I so loved the Ranch.... I remember the sleigh rides. Grandpa always had a team of horses and I remember the years we would all pile on and go for a sleigh ride. All of us cousins would tie our sleds on back and off we would go. One year I will never forget was the time my sled hit something frozen and I fell off. The runner of one of my cousins sled happened to slice my ear open. I was bleeding pretty well. Of course as a kid I was fine, till I saw all the blood. That year I spent Christmas night at the hospital getting stitches. There were other years where we had wonderful sledding hills. One year the wind had blown snow in a coulee close by to form a great "S" curved track. I cannot tell you how many hours we spent outside that day.
Other years when it was so cold, we would play board games for hours. With Grandma's special dip and chips, its a highlight I still think about every year.
Over all these years, I can hardly remember many of the gifts shared. The couple that I remember most were handmade by my grandparents. A wooden corral system made by Grandfather and afghan made by my Grandmother, that I still use today, hold the most treasured sentiment yet to me. But looking back, over all the Christmas' in my lifetime, I come back to that song by Barbara... "Christmas at our House." As an adult, I realize just like those "Charlie Brown" trees we had growing up, there is something missing without the traditions and family at the holidays.
Growing up I was the Biggest Fan of Barbara Mandrell. Her Holiday song "Christmas at our House" felt like she was singing about my family. The simple lyrics of this song, deep in tradition and based with faith of the true reason for this season still bring me back to my childhood. Looking back as a child, Christmas truly was the happiest time of year! Not only for the gifts we received, but more importantly the traditions we did with family, that was all based around the meaning we celebrated as a family this wonderful time of year.
As a family, we always had a live tree for Christmas, and it wasn't just any tree purchased at any tree lot. It was tradition to head to the ranch and as a family find the "perfect" tree. Mom always wanted a cedar, while Dad was more at will just in getting a long needle pine. It brings a smile to my face just thinking of how "Charlie Brown" they actually were. They always looked so wonderful and full as we looked for them. Yet by the time it was home, and cut down to size , to fit in the house, there was always a huge hole, and something missing. Even though we had the tree, it was never the first decoration put up. As the boxes were unpacked, to decorate, the Nativity was always the first item put up. As a grown adult, this is something I still continue to do. Its a simple reminder once again of why we celebrate this time of year.
By the time Christmas Eve rolled around, my sister and I had probably drove my parents crazy about the gifts under the tree. We had a simple tradition of opening one gift before we attended Christmas Eve Services. I love hearing the Christmas Story each and every year, and singing carols by candlelight. After services, we always ended up at my Maternal Grandparents home. All my Aunts and Uncles, and cousins would be there as we would have a wonderful evening of snacks, gifts and just spending time with family. Finally back home by 10-11ish, the parents finally would give in and my sister and I would dig into everything under the tree. It wouldn't take long before the living room was covered in wrapping paper, bows, and boxes. With Christmas music playing in the background, and that one special gift it seems mom always knew I wanted in hand it was time to fall asleep so "Santa" could make his stop.
Christmas Morning always found my sister and I coming down the stairs to find Santa had made his stop. Luckily my sister and I were always good enough that he never missed that stop. There was always something special under the tree and stockings by the woodstove overflowing. Could it get any better? Yes it could, because by now it was time to pack up and head to the ranch, my Paternal Grandparents home for Christmas Dinner. Again a house full of Aunts and Uncles, and cousins. Yes a few more gifts were exchanged but the highlights of the day were more the time we spent together.
I so loved the Ranch.... I remember the sleigh rides. Grandpa always had a team of horses and I remember the years we would all pile on and go for a sleigh ride. All of us cousins would tie our sleds on back and off we would go. One year I will never forget was the time my sled hit something frozen and I fell off. The runner of one of my cousins sled happened to slice my ear open. I was bleeding pretty well. Of course as a kid I was fine, till I saw all the blood. That year I spent Christmas night at the hospital getting stitches. There were other years where we had wonderful sledding hills. One year the wind had blown snow in a coulee close by to form a great "S" curved track. I cannot tell you how many hours we spent outside that day.
Other years when it was so cold, we would play board games for hours. With Grandma's special dip and chips, its a highlight I still think about every year.
Over all these years, I can hardly remember many of the gifts shared. The couple that I remember most were handmade by my grandparents. A wooden corral system made by Grandfather and afghan made by my Grandmother, that I still use today, hold the most treasured sentiment yet to me. But looking back, over all the Christmas' in my lifetime, I come back to that song by Barbara... "Christmas at our House." As an adult, I realize just like those "Charlie Brown" trees we had growing up, there is something missing without the traditions and family at the holidays.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Lessons Learned
Its been an incredible summer that once again has flown by so quickly. As I look back and realize how quickly this time has gone, it has reminded me of the old saying of "Stop and Smell the Roses." As I think about that, I truly believe there are a few more things that need to be reflected on as someone gets older and realizes that they aren't promised tomorrow. The following is a list I came by and have adjusted a bit for my own use to reflect on each day and not to take things for granted.
Just a Few Lessons to Live By:
Just a Few Lessons to Live By:
- ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
- TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
- THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
- FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.
- FIVE.. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.
- SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
- SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.
- EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
- NINE.... Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
- TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
- ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.
- TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.
- THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'
- FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
- FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
- SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
- SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.
- EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
- NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
- TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. A Smile is Contagious..
- TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone. You cannot appreciate those around us, if you are not happy with yourself first.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Jack of All Trades
Growing up on a farm and ranch, you need to be a jack of all trades to keep equipment running, and getting things done.. From fixing a sugar beet cultivator, being able to use a cutting torch and welder, to knowing your way around an engine, not being afraid to get a little greasy might be one day on the job. The next day it may be animal science, being able to recognize a sick acting calf and knowing what to do around an overprotective cow as you need to get close and doctor the young. Breaking a new horse to ride. or playing fireman as irrigation ditches are burned, it was never boring or the same day to day. Knowing and understanding Horticulture, Mechanics, Animal Husbandry, and Construction are just some of the great life skills I learned growing up where I did. This sometimes hard lifestyle installed a work ethic in me I think has served me well.
Emergency Managers in years past has a history of being career folk from Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS. For decades, many have thought having someone retired from one of these fields as your Emergency Manager was a perfect fit in filling this role. These professions share a lot of similar areas, and I for one am glad and proud of my volunteer years in Fire/EMS These years helped give me a solid foundation of understanding the IC system, logisitcs, operations, support and some of the other basic knowledge I needed when I took this role. Honestly it was an easy transition understanding the roles, and responsibilities I now shared. The hardest part for me as I was reminded for several months, was that I was NOT the Fire Chief any longer. I could no longer only think of the incident from a solely response aspect. I was no longer the first responder. My role is support, at least during an incident. But times change and as times change, hazards change and with that the role of the Emergency Manager needs to to change also. People now have choices to actually study and receive a degree in Emergency Management. Even more with the daily changes and additions of Social Media, the roles are constantly changing in how an effective Emergency Manager does his or her job.
As an Emergency Manager you spend many hours working behind the scenes building relationships, planning, working on mitigation projects, scheduling and building training's to test the systems in place, and mix in plenty of office work, dealing with budgets, grants, and government officials.I quickly learned as I stepped into this role there really wasn't a true check list in how to do this job. Maybe a basic outline, but an Emergency Manager needs to be highly motivated and willing to do what is needed without little direction. I'm not saying its a requirement but having a "Type A" personality definitely helps you master this career choice. Being a "Jack of all Trades" and managing your time efficiently only helps one do this job well. Just like on the farm, you needed to just get things done without little direction. There was no time card punched, no quota that had to be met each day. The only project deadline was having a crop to sell at the end of the season. In the same way an Emergency Manager needs to manage time, and balance being an organizational planner, trainer, budget and finance expert, and public information officer at any given time with not little notice. Many days I have "changed hats" from one role to another to get everything accomplished that needs to be.
Its funny how life prepares you for your role in life. Growing up on the farm and ranch I learned from an early age many different things to keep the farm moving. Some of these activities I really enjoyed while others not so much. I'm always up for a challenge and as I look back over my life thus far, its funny to see some of the directions life has taken me. Seems like I've done a bit of everything, from working in bars and restaurants while going to college, to working in health care, as a CNA, and Phlebotomist. Volunteering in the community as a firefighter/EMT and as a youth leader in my church. Even working some construction along the way before settling into a career at an environmental lab before taking the position as the Emergency Manager for Stillwater County has lent me the skills to be a jack of all trades needed for my current position.
All of these choices in life have helped form the person I am today. Along the way I always thought as long as I met one criteria for what I did, I was happy. That one criteria is and always has been wanting to make a difference in the world. I'm very thankful for the childhood I had growing up in rural Montana. I certainly have no idea where life may have taken me without the background I do have. I also do know that working in Emergency Management seems to complete the puzzle for me. Never in any of the roles I have had does a position allow me the flexibility yet satisfaction in doing something I truly enjoy. Its funny I recently read a couple quotes that hit home and actually are the basis of this writing. "Out of frustration grows patience, from tears you find strength, and from your failures you find success." As I look back now I can see this so easily in my life thus far. "Life is a book with many chapters. Some are hard to get through, some are easy, but you have to keep turning the page to get to the next adventure." I never realized that the skills I had gained from all the previous chapters in my life were preparing me for this. Looking back I am pleased with the direction my life has taken me professionally and provided me the opportunities in life to be a "Jack of all Trades" in this adventure more fitting for my life.
Emergency Managers in years past has a history of being career folk from Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS. For decades, many have thought having someone retired from one of these fields as your Emergency Manager was a perfect fit in filling this role. These professions share a lot of similar areas, and I for one am glad and proud of my volunteer years in Fire/EMS These years helped give me a solid foundation of understanding the IC system, logisitcs, operations, support and some of the other basic knowledge I needed when I took this role. Honestly it was an easy transition understanding the roles, and responsibilities I now shared. The hardest part for me as I was reminded for several months, was that I was NOT the Fire Chief any longer. I could no longer only think of the incident from a solely response aspect. I was no longer the first responder. My role is support, at least during an incident. But times change and as times change, hazards change and with that the role of the Emergency Manager needs to to change also. People now have choices to actually study and receive a degree in Emergency Management. Even more with the daily changes and additions of Social Media, the roles are constantly changing in how an effective Emergency Manager does his or her job.
As an Emergency Manager you spend many hours working behind the scenes building relationships, planning, working on mitigation projects, scheduling and building training's to test the systems in place, and mix in plenty of office work, dealing with budgets, grants, and government officials.I quickly learned as I stepped into this role there really wasn't a true check list in how to do this job. Maybe a basic outline, but an Emergency Manager needs to be highly motivated and willing to do what is needed without little direction. I'm not saying its a requirement but having a "Type A" personality definitely helps you master this career choice. Being a "Jack of all Trades" and managing your time efficiently only helps one do this job well. Just like on the farm, you needed to just get things done without little direction. There was no time card punched, no quota that had to be met each day. The only project deadline was having a crop to sell at the end of the season. In the same way an Emergency Manager needs to manage time, and balance being an organizational planner, trainer, budget and finance expert, and public information officer at any given time with not little notice. Many days I have "changed hats" from one role to another to get everything accomplished that needs to be.
Its funny how life prepares you for your role in life. Growing up on the farm and ranch I learned from an early age many different things to keep the farm moving. Some of these activities I really enjoyed while others not so much. I'm always up for a challenge and as I look back over my life thus far, its funny to see some of the directions life has taken me. Seems like I've done a bit of everything, from working in bars and restaurants while going to college, to working in health care, as a CNA, and Phlebotomist. Volunteering in the community as a firefighter/EMT and as a youth leader in my church. Even working some construction along the way before settling into a career at an environmental lab before taking the position as the Emergency Manager for Stillwater County has lent me the skills to be a jack of all trades needed for my current position.
All of these choices in life have helped form the person I am today. Along the way I always thought as long as I met one criteria for what I did, I was happy. That one criteria is and always has been wanting to make a difference in the world. I'm very thankful for the childhood I had growing up in rural Montana. I certainly have no idea where life may have taken me without the background I do have. I also do know that working in Emergency Management seems to complete the puzzle for me. Never in any of the roles I have had does a position allow me the flexibility yet satisfaction in doing something I truly enjoy. Its funny I recently read a couple quotes that hit home and actually are the basis of this writing. "Out of frustration grows patience, from tears you find strength, and from your failures you find success." As I look back now I can see this so easily in my life thus far. "Life is a book with many chapters. Some are hard to get through, some are easy, but you have to keep turning the page to get to the next adventure." I never realized that the skills I had gained from all the previous chapters in my life were preparing me for this. Looking back I am pleased with the direction my life has taken me professionally and provided me the opportunities in life to be a "Jack of all Trades" in this adventure more fitting for my life.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Random Ramblings As I try Something New
Over the past several months, working as an Emergency Manager in a small County has provided more time in the lime light than I think anyone ever imagined. After a winter that seemed to bring an endless amount of snow, to ice jam concerns, record breaking rainfall in the spring causing flash flooding, snow melt causing high water all the way into the middle of July, and now the heat setting in causing fire danger to increase drastically, emergency and disaster situations seem to have just melded together. Mix in an Oil Spill on the Yellowstone River, luckily not in my county, but we still responded with mutual aid on the original night, and I hope we begin to see that being an Emergency Manager or DES Coordinator as referred to here in Montana, is more than a part time position. If done right, there is plenty of work that needs to be done long before any of the disasters or emergencies happen.
Anyone that doesn't understand the amount of time an Emergency Manager puts into reading, researching, writing, testing, plans and procedures to make things run smoother during an actual incident, needs to just spend a couple days understanding what we do. Building relationships and "not exchanging business card over a disaster" takes a real commitment to make sure proper contacts are kept up to date, and current when they are needed. This is easy when danger is eminent, but people easily forget and its an after thought within a very short period of time. Keeping up to date with what is available, yet understanding budget restraints is a dilemma for any Emergency Manager.
Personally I have found real enjoyment in focusing on Training and Preparedness. I think we have overlooked so many opportunities in helping people help themselves. Why not put a focus on preventative actions and preparedness instead of response and recovery? Well of course the images are not as gripping as those of folks trapped on rooftops or in shelters, etc.
One of the great strengths of Montanan's is our independent nature. Most of us are somewhat of an outdoorsy type of person and already hunt, camp, fish. If you think of it this way, its amazing how prepared most of us are in this area. During our recent incidents, we have opened shelters with at best a handful of folks showing up. Now does this mean there is not a need or does it mean we haven't educated folks about where to find assistance? Again building relationships with your community comes to the forefront. I count myself lucky that I stepped into this role about the time social media became popular. As someone from a small county with only a weekly newspaper, and all other news information shared by regional media sources some 40 miles away or over coffee at the local cafe, it has become a life line into the community. Using social media has allowed me to interact with the citizens of the county like no one before me. As frequently as need be, I can share up-to-date information on a developing situation or concern, or more often, share preparedness information. It has allowed me to create a dialogue with the County never seen before. I look forward to using it even more as we go forward and as we hit September for Preparedness Month.
If you haven't caught onto my thought pattern yet, no worries, sometimes I don't either, but let me give you this little insight. I talk about all these things to prove my point, that Emergency Managers work more than "part-time" no matter how much time they are paid for their role. Being on call 24/7, even though I am only in the office for a couple days a week, it doesn't mean I am not thinking about what is going on; do I need to alert folks on some potential hazard; how do I help find assistance for those needing it; and how do I make sure what happened elsewhere, as shown on the news, doesn't happen here? I ponder these issues as I try to assist the people I work for. My grandfather always told me growing up, that we should try to leave the land better than we found it. I think this molded my passion of leaving things better in this world for the next generation. I got into Emergency Services to help people in their time of need, with the transition from a First Responder to an Emergency Manager, my approach may differ but the mission remains the same, even if its only considered on a Part-time Basis.
Anyone that doesn't understand the amount of time an Emergency Manager puts into reading, researching, writing, testing, plans and procedures to make things run smoother during an actual incident, needs to just spend a couple days understanding what we do. Building relationships and "not exchanging business card over a disaster" takes a real commitment to make sure proper contacts are kept up to date, and current when they are needed. This is easy when danger is eminent, but people easily forget and its an after thought within a very short period of time. Keeping up to date with what is available, yet understanding budget restraints is a dilemma for any Emergency Manager.
Personally I have found real enjoyment in focusing on Training and Preparedness. I think we have overlooked so many opportunities in helping people help themselves. Why not put a focus on preventative actions and preparedness instead of response and recovery? Well of course the images are not as gripping as those of folks trapped on rooftops or in shelters, etc.
One of the great strengths of Montanan's is our independent nature. Most of us are somewhat of an outdoorsy type of person and already hunt, camp, fish. If you think of it this way, its amazing how prepared most of us are in this area. During our recent incidents, we have opened shelters with at best a handful of folks showing up. Now does this mean there is not a need or does it mean we haven't educated folks about where to find assistance? Again building relationships with your community comes to the forefront. I count myself lucky that I stepped into this role about the time social media became popular. As someone from a small county with only a weekly newspaper, and all other news information shared by regional media sources some 40 miles away or over coffee at the local cafe, it has become a life line into the community. Using social media has allowed me to interact with the citizens of the county like no one before me. As frequently as need be, I can share up-to-date information on a developing situation or concern, or more often, share preparedness information. It has allowed me to create a dialogue with the County never seen before. I look forward to using it even more as we go forward and as we hit September for Preparedness Month.
If you haven't caught onto my thought pattern yet, no worries, sometimes I don't either, but let me give you this little insight. I talk about all these things to prove my point, that Emergency Managers work more than "part-time" no matter how much time they are paid for their role. Being on call 24/7, even though I am only in the office for a couple days a week, it doesn't mean I am not thinking about what is going on; do I need to alert folks on some potential hazard; how do I help find assistance for those needing it; and how do I make sure what happened elsewhere, as shown on the news, doesn't happen here? I ponder these issues as I try to assist the people I work for. My grandfather always told me growing up, that we should try to leave the land better than we found it. I think this molded my passion of leaving things better in this world for the next generation. I got into Emergency Services to help people in their time of need, with the transition from a First Responder to an Emergency Manager, my approach may differ but the mission remains the same, even if its only considered on a Part-time Basis.
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